Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant today announced the appointment of Mr Steve Bradshaw as the Recovery Coordinator to support local recovery efforts in the Warrumbungle Shire and surrounding areas.

Mr Bradshaw was the Recovery Coordinator following the 2013 fires at Coonabarabran and has a great deal of local knowledge and expertise in responding to regional emergencies.

"While the response to the bushfires in Warrumbungle Shire and other areas is well underway and agencies in the region have been doing an incredible job, the Recovery Coordinator will help the community get back on its feet by supporting more local recovery activities," Mr Grant said.

"Mr Bradshaw will work closely with the Warrumbungle Local Recovery Committee, the community, Local, State and Commonwealth agencies and non-government organisations to get a clear sense of the impacts of the fires. Maximum coordination of State agency resources will be crucial in addressing these impacts.

"As the Recovery Coordinator, Mr Bradshaw will directly support recovery efforts in the Warrumbungle Shire, and will facilitate cooperation with recovery efforts in other areas affected by the bushfires, including the Upper Hunter."

The role of Recovery Coordinator will have a clear focus on providing short and long-term accommodation for those in need, ensuring that insurance companies are working rapidly with home owners and farmers to resolve insurance claims, and that the community receives all the support it requires.

"The appointment of Mr Bradshaw adds to a range of assistance measures already available including grants for people on low incomes, or with no insurance, whose homes have been destroyed by the bushfires," Mr Grant said.

Additionally, community recovery in the area will get a significant boost when a Recovery Centre opens shortly in Coolah. This will be a 'one-stop-shop' where assistance will be available from a range of agencies including:

Disaster Welfare Services (Department of Justice);

NSW Housing;

Primary Industries;

Mental and Community Health; and

The Insurance Council of Australia.

Mr Bradshaw is a former NSW Police officer who spent 41 years in the force, including five years as Commander of the Western Region.